Moving Ain't For Sissies

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot, and hang on!"

Franklin Roosevelt

Neither is having only 2 hands, 1 jacked up mind, and a huge freaking hole in your heart. (or 3), oh! and no clean clothes.
Not going well dear blog readers. I think I may have to call in a possee or two. I wish that I could write, but I know that you would all run down the street nekked screaming helppppppppppppppppppppppp (or I would?)
Stay tuned.........
LYG

One Week Later, The Eagle Has Landed

"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash".

George C. Patton

Quite bruised and tired, mind you, but landed. I thought I might chat this morning before hucking boxes back and forth. What do ya think? I DO NOT advise moving at this age. Lets say.... no moving after menopause. Good one. Plan for it.
This City has changed even more in 4 years. There all all kinds of places new, or GONE...lol Someday soon I will venture out to investigate. For now, I need my studio up and running by November 1st.:::cause I promised::: I would like to say that its coming along, but what a cool lie that would be! i feel quite fortunate to have internet! I was just tickled to hear the GIANTS game while working too! I have such fun at A's games.. I can only imagine being in SF THIS week!
The kitchen is unpacked and operable. MOST important. Not pretty... but its all in there. The rest of the house, filled to the brim with furniture and boxes. Ginger cant find her doggie door, and Rudy is stuffed into the front closet. ( door removed). I dont think he will last there, but we really couldnt find one single spot for the poor guy! I ll take a picture when I locate a camera:) I just put that on the list. Speaking of lists... I have never had a list so long! Top of the list being the shop stuff of course, but then... I was wondering why in the world this house is so dark everywhere BUT the studio. Guess what I discovered this morning? Some idiot painted the sky light in my room! No kidding! It is so dundgeony and NOW I know why! Maybe he worked graveyard or something, but its like a hotel room with darkening blinds and heavy drapes!
#1. STRIP skylight paint!
I received my first snail mail job yesterday and boy did I get excited! Another one of those times I wish that I could wiggle my nose and change all things as I want them. Rememeber when I said I need a break from quilting? I take it back!
I went back to Pismo yesterday to get another load and clean. I keep backspacing my type here, so i will just say.... OWWW, then CLIC:::geez I'm getting good at that::::
On that note Dear Blog readers, I shall take my bruised up self to the showers and begin again. Thank you for your caring emails and snail mails and Blima the very cool Lucky Eye for my new front door! I felt pretty "tuff" drill in hand hanging my Lion door knocker and my Blessing:). Avi asked what I was doing and I told her I was trying to find my muchness! She understood? lol
Love yer Guts, I'll be back
G

Quilting Beats Packing

"There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do."– Freya Stark

G'morning:) What a great quote today huh? This woman, Freya, was a famous Author, well travelled. I take from this also the law of attraction concept. Sometimes we push against the energy in which we want to go, much like 2 magnets fighting, and we just never get where we want to go. ( all said in WE like I have a mouse in my pocket) See, I can clean things up! (I saw u smile)

So.. Today I wish to be at Quilt Camp on a beach in Oregon with Ronda, her Mama, and a buncha inspiring quilters, like minds. WOW, can u even imagine the energy THERE?? But... it is what it is and I'm packing instead. Just another hole in my heart I suppose. I gotta find some ways to fill it.(them) I am in hopes that the next year will do just that. Fill some holes. When I get so upset about leaving here I just throw my arms up and give it all away. I cannot control this, and I no longer want to. The above quote drives it home. I sure hope it all works out:)

There are boxes to be made and a shop to be packed. Here we go....

Done!

"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful WHAT we pretend to be"

Kurt Vonnegut

Well, since Imma such good lil actress, I should do fine!!! Today, I shall pretend to be a victorious quilter! The infamous five are done dude! Onward says I and pack the shop! I wont cry (much) and I will be bigger and better in a bit! As you can see I have already packed quite a bunch. The studio is beginning to sound so hollow. This has been the best one so far. Very comfortable, efficient and the acoustics and lighting near perfect. The design wall wasnt too good as you can see thread all over from black . I think my best design wall was brown felt. :::thinkin::: Know what? I dont even KNOW if I will have enogh room for a design wall now! Truly one of the biggest leaps of faith I can remember taking.. Except for that one time I braved a mountain with 2 babies , in the snow, pulling a trailer.. just to get to get home to my mama...lol youth... Oh wait.. there was that time I flew off to NYC with only 400 bucks in my wallet? WHAT? I REALLY wanted to go to the Rainbow Room and see the skyline! And we did!:: ok, I'm an idiot.

I take 2 quilts with me, a barter and a custom.. but for now I need to concentrate on getting settled. I have heard from the LQS that many are awaiting my arrival! That's so cool isn't it? Gives one hope.

My BFF's are anxious for a stitch & Bitch night date.. That's very cool too. I am ever grateful for the support.

I think I need a short break for a coffee run. I am out of everything here! Its ok, until u mess with the coffee canister or wine decantors..... grunt. Will keep ya posted..

OUT OF BODY EXPERIANCES DAILY

Love yer guts,

G

Got Comfort Food? M & M's

"I get up. I walk. I fall down. Meanwhile, I keep dancing."

 Rabbi Hillel

Mornin`. Imma grumbler this morning, reader beware? How was your week end? I had a yard sale in the rain. Reminicent of one my bff and I had before we flew off to NYC for the hell of it. Wow... Those were the days...lol
I didnt move any of the big furniture, so its going with me. I shall stuff it all into my lil Condo and hope for the best. I gotta tell ya... I am more nervous than a kitten with her tail under a rocking chair. THATS an understatement. I am so too old for this much change. I was supposed to be doing other things right about ow. The older I get, the more I learn that I have absolutley no control over the changes in the universe. PERIOD. It must be Gods way of keeping me humble? Pppfftt ( I gots issues). Hey did I tell you that I quit the pshyc doctor on steroids? Yeh.... I had enough. She wasnt helping much. I think she should hang a sign on her door. DIVORCE 101. I really dont need that. I need a whole bunch of work, sure I do.. but that just wasnt it.  I will find another one, cause I wont give up. Maybe I will just blog it out... you poor peoples...lol
What else is going on? Well... the house is half packed, the shop maybe a fourth... I cant break it down yet. Im still working. I am completley blown away each and everythime I wake up and come down a bare family hall wall. Its just unbelievable, and really real. Shit. I have a craving for comfort food. Maybe a chicken fried steak or pork chops... shepards pie.... ummmmm ( bad way to change the channel, but it sure works! LOL) I actually had to run myself out of groceries so that I would STOP cooking so much! I realize it brings me comfort to cook, so I solved that problem! I am not even boiling eggs!
It's going to be a wild couple weeks dear peoples... I will write when I can, and let you know when I land.
LYG
M & M's
Soooo hard these days...lol
*Gloria checking on me a lot!
*BFF's in the box
*The fantastic PIQF win
* No machine problems while driving fast!
*The music in my shop

How Many Strip Quilts Can Be Made In A Week?

FIVE? Let's hope so... Giving it my best shot anyway. Complete mayhem round here, and all I REALLY want to do is go to PIQF and take a snapshot with the WIENER! THATS ME! Well, US. I am sitting here sipping,pondering HOW to get all this done, and road trip to Santa Clara, all in one week end. Its times like these I wish I were Barbara Eden and wiggle my nose to just BE THERE. Maye someone will take a pic for me, and I will photoshop myself into it..LOLOL

Pictured above are 4 of the said 5... I havent even cut the 5th yet. I am running out of Gramas stash! I better move it.. Have a TGIF kind of day dear blog readers:)

LYG

G

Pacific International Quilt Festival

Yes, We won Honorable Mention! :::bowing::: Curtsie::::Bowing:::: Raising coffee cup::::::: I have no idea what the purse is, but I cant wait to see the ribbon!!! ( u think it could get viewers choice too?)

I think I posted this a few months back when it was accepted into PIQF. I didnt think it would win!!! You can clic to enlarge the photo, but the stitching isnt too clear. Especially the black. I used yummy GLIDE threads and they shine, shine, shine:)
 Summer blast was also accepted, however no win:(  Maybe at Road to California? One can hope. This is called 7 Dysfunctional Sisters. All Geishas in beautiful dresses. Ok, Enough tooting... Sorry I have been AWOL, but I have been BEYOND busy! Quilting, packing, planning, listing... craigs listing... omgoodness. The good news is that I AM SO NUTZ, who has time to feel sorry for themselves? CLIC
Thanks again for your email concerns and the birthday cards. I LOVE YER GUTS!!!
I will be doing the same today.. at MACH 1 speed, hair flying.... little time left now, and I am planning a yard sale this week end too! I decided to get a jump on it by Craigs listing big stuff and it never occured to me that I TRIPLED my workload! No kidding!  Maybe next month I can squeeze in an underwear day? Wow... Another distant memory. CLIC
Ok, so I hope you are all well and quilting away. Make sure u pop into PIQF web site and look at all the STUNNING winning quilts I gotta tell ya, I am among the best of the best, and I am humbled to say the least!

Birthday Reflections-M & M's

G'mornin... I'm of course nursing my first cuppa while surfing. Why is it that I always feel hung over until coffee goes in? Its not true... I'm not EVER hung over..lol but it sure feels like a MACK truck hit me?
OK. So its all true. Its my birthday. I am 50 again. WHY? Because THAT is my favorite birthday EVER, so I decided to keep it. As opposed to getting very bummed today, I shall reflect on that. Maybe by the time its wine 30, I will actually have convinced myself that I AM THERE! Do you remember the Las Vegas trip with my BFF's?  Do you peoples have a favorite birthday memory?
I had a very nice week end with my daughter. I was a bit bummed that my grand didnt come, but quickly decided that just having Karen alone was really a treat. We worked our tails off packing box after box after box. Thanks Karen for the help, motivation, and company. We enjoyed a great dinner on the beach complete with local musicians. I cannot even convey to you how much I will miss this place. shoot...CLIC
Today I will be working on the last of those quilts. Still 4 to make, 5 to quilt ,bind. think I can do it? I wont be packing the studio until the end with this much work to do. And I dont know what happened to BLOGGER but I cannot post pictures!!! grunt. I better go because I feel a meltdown coming and we dont want that today! Have a good one, I'll be talking to ya!

M M's:

Karens visit
My stitch pal bringing me a new coffee mug...
Saved boxes in the attic!
The will to continue with holes in my heart

Fall= Pepper Season (Stuffed Peppers)

Last night I made a nice creamy soup. I will post that after its typed.  I love red peppers! Its almost time to barter with farmers so I can bbq and put up a giant jar of them. For now, I cook. Dont know why or WHO the hell for... but its good for me. MANJA!

Stuffed Red Peppers

6 large red bell peppers


2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups chopped onions

6 teaspoons chopped italian parsley

3 garlic cloves, chopped

2/3 cup cooked white rice, cooled

1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika

1 1/4 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

2 1/2 cups canned tomato sauce

1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef ( sometimes I mix half italian sausage/half gr beef)

1 large egg

Cut off top 1/2 inch of peppers and reserve. Scoop seeds from cavities. Discard stems and chop pepper tops. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, parsley, garlic, and diced pepper pieces, and beef til browned & soften, about 8 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Mix in rice, paprika, salt, pepper,. Cool 10 minutes. Mix in 1/2 cup tomato sauce, then egg.

Fill pepper cavities with beef mixture. Stand filled peppers in single layer in heavy large pot. Pour remaining 2 cups tomato sauce around peppers. Bring sauce to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover pot and simmer 20 minutes. Spoon some sauce over each pepper. Cover; cook until peppers are tender and filling is cooked through and firm, about 20 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, cover and chill. Rewarm covered over low heat.)

I have also done this in the oven, 9x12 pan, peppers cut in half lengthwise and filled, with sauce, cook at 350 for an hour. ( just a different way when I get bored) You can also sub the peppers for green, but I dont like them as much as red. (sweeter) Also, the kids always liked melted cheese on top after cooking.

Thanks For The Emails

I am okay. No worries. I just have no magic moments or good, or funny stuff to chat about? I am suffering from Groundhogs day I think. It all seems the same, and not happy? I choose to not discuss NOT HAPPY. CLIC.
Really, thank you guys. Love yer guts, I'll be ok, I am a crying quilting away in here... me and the DAWG:) Remember the earlier post "The heart of life is still good".

My Sis and Daughter may be coming this week end. That will help. I managed to get out for a bit today and bought myself a birthday gift! (SHOES!! BLACK STRAPPY SEXY WEDGY SHOES!)

No, I sure as hell CANT afford them, but damn... I got to SMILE! I got to think about where I might wear them to? Not to the Nickelback concert I wont be going to! ::foot stomping:::(plus... You know if Suzi Orman would read this i would not be APPROVED! LOL)

 Ok, so I speeded...sped...( hmm) to the local GAS-ES-STATION for a 2 dollar quick pick in a 48 million dollar lottery tonight! Just the lil 10 minute dream of how to spend it all (in not one place) distracted the groundhog day crap. So.. its all good. See how that all went down?

I promptly returned to the regularly scheduled programing for the night. Put on a pot and finished the new king. I drank so much coffee I am still awake! At least I can say that.. all the other nights, no coffee and STILL no sleep. I have a ton of domestic sewing to begin tomorrow. 3 throws and 2 cribs to build! Woo hoo! I get to sit! I know the days are passing fast, however they seem like slow motion to me. Not that I am anxious, its just bloody painful, thats all. I will try, truly, to wake up with words of wonder tomorrow:)

LYG

G

The Skin I'm In-M & M's

Not sure how to locate the M & M's for last week. Whoa... what a week. Its one of those foot stomping WEEKS. You know the drll. Right hand on hip, left foot turned 45 degrees like Imma bout to break into a ballerina pose, however the monster is ever present and she decides to just throw down a tantrum for only the pets to witness. Oh what I wouldnt give to be a two year old and allowed a throw down or ten. Is there a medication for not enjoying the skin ones in? Its wierd not to know what is acceptable to myself sometimes. A crying puddle of mud victim, a pissed off person, or a Jackie O` Killer stance on strength and grace while absolutley DIEING on the inside, ORRRR, a happy ass clown that refuses to never let em see ya sweat! Double grunt! I gots a choice. I ALWAYS have a choice. I'll ponder that a minute.

Mornin!!! SEE MY TEEFY GRIN? Yeh, I know... what a cool lie I am eh? Its all good. Today I meet with my Pastor of all things. Ok, and quilt my fingers off a little more. Grateful that I have this ability, mind you. Hey... can you get carpul tunnel in your right hand from longarming? I have SOMETHING going on here. It doesnt quite feel like when I bind a great deal, but it does hurt a lot, especially the opposite side of my palm. Anyone know?
I wanna shave my head. Just sayin`.

Marvelous Monday's
* My angel friend Gloria coming by regularly just to check on me.
* Ginger's grooming angel!
*quilts to quilt.
*No machine problems while driving fast!
*A killer pasta sauce dreamed up
*My shop, filled with things I love, especially music
* Ginger who seems to "get me".
Sunday M/M
#%#$#$%@^&!^~!%!^

Still Sewing On A Sunday

"It is good to act as if. It is even better to grow to the point where it is no longer an act."

Charles Caleb Colton

After an all night quilt fest, this was sweet to wake up to! I personally think I need an ALL CALL to finish up in here before the shops gets broken down AGAIN. This move seriously hurts.THIS is my best est studio to date. Most comfortable and efficient. The huge bank of cabinets has been wonderful for my messiness while creating! The floor in cherry wood makes me smile inside every day, and believe me, THAT'S important!
No worries. I am becoming accustomed to "blooming where I'm planted"... right? Of course, right. CLIC

Thanks for all your comments yesterday , and personal emails. I will be okay, and who knows, maybe its the mountains in my future this time:)
M/M
Ginger dropping to the floor in front of me at the machine.Flopping over on her back begging me to go to bed with her around 2 am. She too CAN communicate. LOL

To Decide

•The act of making up your mind about something; the burden of decision

•A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

•Decisiveness: the trait of resoluteness as evidenced by firmness of character or purpose;

"If the measure of a man is his word, then no matter the decisions I have made, I must survive them."

Me. G.

Get that? lol surviving my own decisions...grunt.

This month I have decided to return to my family and friends for a good dose of moral support. It is the right thing to do. If you follow this blog I'm sure that you have read "If home is where the heart is, I must have two of each". Well... I must leave this home now, for the other. It was a terrible self struggle to come to this decision. Everyone, without exception, knows my love for this place. I find serenity in the DQL here. I love the weather , Marshalls. In truth, I love my peoples and my mental health, even more.
My Walt & I have also decided to separate and work on each other and ourselves with mileage between us. God willing, we will "find" each other somewhere in the middle and love may prevail. Only he knows, just like ALL THE REST of life eh? While I will spare you any details I needed to get this in here for the preservation of history itself. (See I do intend on blog books dont I?)
I am certain that there is still something out there Imma supposed to do.:::said in my thickest Italian accent::: Maybe it really is in Oregon? R?
I find that having made this decisison to go back to the valley, I "feel" stronger, as if I have at least a road map. It might be the wrong direction, but then again, it may be the right one. Hopefully, it won't be the last one. Just a stop in the journey to a harvest moon. Remember, lead, follow, or get out of the way. I have much to do and the lists are flying. Cross your fingers, toes, pray and send good stuff thisaway. again, still, please? I love yer guts, thank you in advance!!! I'm in repair, I'm not together, but I'm getting there. Thanks JM.

But then again..................................????

Imma go make some good pasta sauce and ponder the road ahead. I think best while cooking. I would boil some eggs, but I ran out? LYG
See, I already forgot to post the magic moment of yesterday!
*Magic Moment*
Purchasing cashiers checks for the new to me home in the future. It was empowering, and very sad, but it WAS a moment.



The Broken Heart Of Life, Still Good.

How many times in my life will I WAIL this song? Until I BELIEVE it?

"The Heart Of Life"

 

I hate to see you cry

Lying there in that position

There's things you need to hear

So turn off your tears

And listen

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No it won't all go the way it should

But I know the heart of life is good

You know, it's nothing new

Bad news never had good timing

Then, circle of your friends

Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

No it won't all go the way it should

But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground

Love turns the whole thing around

Fear is a friend who's misunderstood

But I know the heart of life is good

I know it's good

**From the very core of me, thank you John Mayer, and thank you to the quilting colleague who wrote it on my comfort quilt. If EVER I was to get a tattoo, The:::broken::: Heart of Life would be it.
To my BFF's, all of you, unspeakable gratitude for your support. I must have done SOMETHING right, to have earned the love of so many.

**Magic Moment** There were two!!
 First click onto FB to see the new Moomp baby boy, I swear I could smell him from here!
A warm hug and a toast with chilled wine over a beautiful finish with the beast quilt last evening. ( give me more, give me more)